The Valerian flower is used in alternative medicine as a natural sedative. The plant is native to Europe and also in certain parts of Western Asia, but is now grown commercially in the United States.

It has a history of use dating back over 2,000 years as an herbal remedy and a calming tea. Presently, it has become increasingly popular as a supplement for sleep related problems and to alleviate stress.

Users accredit Valerian root pills with a mood enhancing effect and say that it can reduce anxiety and insomnia, without producing a groggy mental state or a “hangover” effect the next morning, unlike some prescription sleeping pills.

You can buy Valerian pills online or from many local health supplement stores at a cost of between $0.15 to $0.25 per dosage.

The valerian plant comes in a variety of different forms suitable for use as a supplement. Valerian root pills are convenient to take and come in pre-dosed servings.

Other options include liquid tinctures, bulk powders, essential oils or raw plant roots and leaves which can be prepared as a tea.

Several supplement vendors now sell stacks designed around valerian which pair the herb with other complementary ingredients for sleep and mood.

Research has shown that most (although not all) of the active chemicals contained within the valerian plant can be found in the roots. The roots are harvested around the world and sold in various extract formulations.

The percentage of extract in each supplement can vary and you are strongly advised to always read the label to discern the different characteristics of the products. Make sure the source of Valerian extract is identified as the roots and not the plant leaf or stems.

Pills that have a lower dose per serving offer more flexibility, but require a greater number of pills to be ingested for high doses which can be more expensive. It may be more economical to purchase higher dose capsules with at least 400 mg per pill and to split the capsules should you require a smaller dosage.

Top Valerian Supplements

When used as a sleep aid, Valerian pills are generally taken approximately 30 minutes to 2 hours before bedtime. For use as a mood enhancer or for anxiety relief, a smaller dosage of 200mg may be taken two to three times a day.

High dosages are only recommended for a maximum of 30 days. Lower dosages of 200mg per day may be used safely for 90 days. Prolonged use of valerian root pills is not medically recommended.

Many brands that sell valerian pills often mix the supplement with other ingredients such as rhodiola rosea, 5-HTP, lemon balm, and l-theanine. Always read the label when purchasing a product because it may not solely contain valerian extract.

There are many claims made about the benefits of valerian supplements. Some of these claims have been backed up by scientific research while others still remain under investigation. At the time of writing, it is important to point out that many researchers are of the opinion that there is not sufficient information about the exact mechanisms of action for valerian.

As stated before, the valerian plant is used as a natural sedative and is often consumed to relieve the problems associated with lack of sleep or an irregular sleeping pattern.

Preliminary studies of the plant show that it may have a mild effect on our GABA receptors. It seems to increase levels of the GABA neurotransmitter that are released by our neurons while also preventing the reabsorption of this calming neurochemical.

GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It has the effect of reducing anxiety and the perception of stress in the brain. It is theorized that Valerian’s effects on GABA mediate the anti-anxiety benefits of this herb as well as making it easier to fall asleep.

Valerian root pills are also used to reduce social anxiety and help users feel less stress during scenarios like speaking in public or before taking an exam. Valerian, in this way, works in a similar fashion to the very popular supplement – St John’s Wort.

While there is a lack of definitive research into Valerian’s effects, the user reviews posted online suggest that this product does produce benefits for a wide number of people.

Many have become regular consumers of the supplement and claim it has helped them overcome sleep disorders and mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.

User reviews on Amazon cite benefits that include improved sleep quality, inducing a sense of calm, and assistance with controlling stressful moods. The supplement is also viewed as a much safer alternative compared to drugs like Ambien.

While Ambien can cause serious side effects and addiction with long-term use, there does not appear to be the same risk when using Valerian pills as a sleep aid. Few side effects have been reported in clinical studies when using the supplement at appropriate dosages.

As with any supplement, you are advised to seek medical advice from your doctor if you are pregnant, breast-feeding or taking additional medication before using Valerian. The latter is particularly important as there is evidence that valerian interacts with certain drugs and medication such as pain pills or anti-depressants.

Taking valerian root pills appears to be a safe and natural way to promote sleep and relaxation. There are no serious negative effects on the body, provided you are not taking other medication or you don’t take it for a prolonged period of time.

User reviews of this supplement are largely positive, with a 4/5 star rating on Amazon. There are a number of different vendors of valerian supplements. Make sure that any product you purchase clearly indicates that it provides an extract from the roots of the plant and not the stems or leaves, which contain less active ingredients.

MECHANISM: Valerenic acid and Valepotriates are believed to be the acive constituents. They exhibit anti-depressive ant anxiolytic effects and may increase GABAergic activity in the brain. READ MORE...

DOSAGE: 300 - 900 mg per day; Taken 1 - 3 times daily.

SIDE EFFECTS: Rated Likely Safe for short-term oral use at appropriate dosages. Reported to cause headache, excitability, insomnia, uneasiness, ataxia, and hypothermia in clinical trials, but little different in adverse effect frequency between placebo group and group given Valerian. READ MORE...

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